How to grow Hedgehog Gourd

Cucumis metuliferus

Easy to grow. Make sure the area you plant it into is free from weeds as you won’t be able to weed later.*

Water when dry.

  • Be careful of the tiny spines on the stems as they can break off in your skin. You should use gloves when handling the plant.

Growing Hedgehog gourd from seed

Easy to germinate as long as the soil is warm

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Hedgehog gourd

In warm areas you can plant it in situ, or in cool areas plant into punnets and then plant outdoors when any risk of frost has passed.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 18°C / 64°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Hedgehog gourd is a tender plant.

Harvesting Hedgehog gourd

Harvest the fruit when they turn yellow. The flesh is sweeter and more fruity tasting if you sprinkle it with sugar before eating.

Harvest when the skin turns from green/yellow to orange.

How long does Hedgehog gourd take to grow?

These estimates for how long Hedgehog gourd takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Hedgehog gourd to germinate?
12 days

Average 12 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Hedgehog gourd?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Hedgehog gourd is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Hedgehog gourd?
= days

Hedgehog gourd Folklore & Trivia

Was recently rediscovered in New Zealand, where it is now being grown as an export crop.

Originally from Africa.

Other names for Hedgehog gourd

Kiwano, Jelly Melon, African Horned Cucumber, African Horned Melon, Kumbundu, blowfish fruit

Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. ex Naud.

Footnotes


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